Ibrahimovic: ‘Milan ambition to make history, but no short-cut’ | OneFootball

Milan consultant Zlatan Ibrahimovic insists the ‘ambition is to make history’ and get back to the top of European football, but warns there is ‘no short-cut’ to that level.

The Diavolo are celebrating the 125th anniversary of the club’s foundation this year and marked it with a coup at the Bernabeu, beating Real Madrid 3-1.

“Milan is part of the history of football and we are just the latest generation to come through,” Ibrahimovic told UEFA Champions League Magazine.

“We bring the past to the present and mix it all up. That is what Milan represents. While I am here, I also want to thank Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani, because we are all here thanks to them.”

They were in charge for over 30 years and brought Ibrahimovic to San Siro as a player, but the Swede remained on in a directorial role.

“I believe in this project, I believe in what Milan represents and think I share that same vision with the people who work here. People want to achieve extraordinary things, write history, win and when you talk about winning, I feel alive. I cannot help the team win from where I am now, but I have much to learn and am humbly doing so.

“I feel tied to Milan in a special way even after my playing career ended and I want to do great things with this side.”

Ibrahimovic is amongst one of the most well-travelled players in the game, so why did he ultimately feel that bond with Milan?

“This is the club that gave me the most in my career. I was here twice, I appreciate what Milan represents. The first time I was here, I felt joy in playing, the second I felt love, and I now want to repay some of that. I am ambitious in wanting to give something back.”

Ibrahimovic embracing post-retirement career

AC Milan senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic smiles prior to the Italian Serie A football match between Unione Sportiva Sassuolo and AC Milan at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia, on April 14, 2024. (Photo by Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP) (Photo by PIERO CRUCIATTI/AFP via Getty Images)

Zlatan had said he would struggle when finally hanging up his boots, yet seems to have accepted this next stage in his life.

“Since I made the decision, I feel good and at peace. I don’t miss playing football. I’m more eager to learn this new role, we have a young, hungry team with great ambition and vision. Nobody is satisfied until we get what we want, which is to win.”

Ibrahimovic was pressed a little more on what it is he and Milan are aiming for in this project.

“The ambition is to make history, which means winning trophies, and historically Milan have won a lot of trophies. It is also a work in progress, many things need to slot into place and we must trust the process, because we’re working under different conditions.

“That starts with the Milan Futuro squad that we launched this season, part of our academy, because we believe in them and want to give these young players the chance to play professional football in Serie C, which is a big challenge.

“Naturally, the heart of our work is the first team, so all our resources are dedicated to them. If you don’t win, then you don’t get repaid for that effort. So far. The results are lacking, but there are a lot of changes at the club too, so it takes time for all that to settle.”

Discussing the globalisation of football, Ibrahimovic insisted that Milan are “already global, recognised all over the world. One of our objectives now is to get back to the top of European football, because that is where Milan belong, but there are no short-cuts to get there.”